The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a crucial public alert regarding two unauthorized online trading platforms operating illegally in the country. The regulatory body has identified FXCFD and Real Trade Experts as fraudulent entities that are not licensed to provide investment services in Pakistan.
Details of the Illegal Platforms
The SECP confirmed that both FXCFD and Real Trade Experts are operating without proper authorization from the commission. These platforms have been actively soliciting investments from Pakistani citizens through various online channels, including social media and dedicated websites.
According to the official warning issued on November 29, 2025, these platforms claim to offer trading services in various financial instruments. However, they lack the necessary regulatory approvals and licenses required to operate legally within Pakistan's financial markets.
Risks to Investors
Investors dealing with these unauthorized platforms face significant financial risks. The SECP emphasized that individuals who invest with these entities do so at their own peril and will not have access to any legal protection or recourse through official channels.
Unlicensed investment platforms typically operate outside the regulatory framework designed to protect investors. This exposes customers to potential fraud, misappropriation of funds, and complete loss of their investments without any possibility of recovery through legal means.
How to Verify Legitimate Platforms
The SECP has provided clear guidelines for investors to verify the legitimacy of trading platforms. All legitimate securities brokers and investment advisors must be registered with the SECP and appear on the commission's official list of authorized entities.
Investors can verify the registration status of any company or individual offering investment services by checking the SECP's official website or contacting the commission directly. The regulatory body maintains updated lists of all licensed market participants to help investors make informed decisions.
The commission has urged the public to exercise extreme caution when approached by any entity offering investment opportunities. Investors should thoroughly research and verify the credentials of any platform before committing funds, regardless of how attractive the promised returns may appear.
This warning forms part of the SECP's ongoing efforts to protect Pakistani investors from financial fraud and maintain the integrity of the country's capital markets. The commission continues to monitor the market for unauthorized activities and takes appropriate action against entities violating securities laws.
